Peru Vacation Packages · EP011

Cusco, Machu Picchu & Rainbow Mountain – 4 Days

4 days / 3 nights Max. 10 people Moderate Starts in Cusco 5,036 m (Vinicunca)

Four days in Cusco: city tour, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu by train and the Rainbow Mountain hike — the most complete short package in the Andes.

The Cusco tour is perfect for those arriving in the city who want to explore it up close. It begins at 1:00 p.m. at our office, followed by a 10-minute walk to Koricancha, where a specialized guide will explain its significance. Then, we’ll take a bus to Sacsayhuamán, known for its impressive Inca stonework.

We’ll continue to the Qenqo caves, a site for Inca rituals, and then visit Pucapucara, an ancient checkpoint. Finally, we’ll explore Tambomachay, famous for its water fountains. We return to Cusco around 6:00 p.m. This tour provides a comprehensive view of Cusco’s history and is ideal for acclimatizing to the altitude.

Train Journey to Aguas Calientes: Experience an unforgettable train ride from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, passing through the majestic Urubamba Canyon.

Duration: 4 days / 3 nights
Group size: Max. 10 people
Difficulty: Moderate
Starts in: Cusco
Max. altitude: 5,036 m (Vinicunca)
Departures: Daily Departures

Places visited

Cusco Sacred Valley Machu Picchu Rainbow Mountain

Tour at a glance

Cusco, Machu Picchu & Rainbow Mountain – 4 Days is a 4 days / 3 nights tour operated by Explore Peru 360, a licensed local tour operator in Cusco. It starts in Cusco, reaches a maximum altitude of 5,036 m (Vinicunca), runs in groups of up to 10 travelers and costs from US$390 per person. Highlights: Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain.

Written & verified by the Explore Peru 360 team in Cusco · Last updated Nov 2026

Machu Picchu availability

Entry tickets are sold per circuit and time slot by Peru’s Ministry of Culture and often sell out 2–4 months ahead (Inca Trail permits up to 6 months). We confirm real-time availability before charging you.

Check availability

Itinerary

Day01

Cusco Exploration: Koricancha, Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Pucapucara, and Tambomachay

1:00 p.m.: Start your City Tour in Cusco by arriving at our office. 1:10 p.m.: A 10-minute walk to the Koricancha Temple. 1:20 p.m.: Guided tour at Koricancha for about an hour, learning about its history and significance. 2:30 p.m.: Board the vehicle to Sacsayhuaman. 2:45 p.m.: Visit Sacsayhuaman, renowned for its impressive stonework. 4:00 p.m.: Continue to Qenqo, an Inca ritual site. 4:30 p.m.: Explore Tambomachay, known for its beautiful water fountains. 5:00 p.m.: Visit Pucapucara, an ancient red-colored Inca construction. 6:00 p.m.: Return to Cusco’s center, concluding the City Tour.

Day02

Sacred Valley Exploration and Train Journey to Machu Picchu

Morning Start and Hotel Pickup
6:30 to 7:00 AM: Pickup from your hotel or Airbnb in Cusco. Transfer to Chinchero: A 45-minute drive to the picturesque village of Chinchero.
Visit to Chinchero
Archaeological site exploration: Discover the colonial temple and impressive Inca ruins with a knowledgeable guide. Textile Artisan Center: Learn traditional weaving techniques directly from local artisans, offering a unique cultural insight and the chance to purchase authentic textiles.
Tour of Moray
Transfer to Moray: Continue the journey to the circular terraces of Moray, about 40 minutes from Chinchero. Site exploration: Discover the mysterious Inca agricultural terraces while the guide explains their significance. Free time for photos.
Visit to the Salt Mines of Maras
45-minute drive from Moray to Maras: Travel to the famous salt mines. Exploration of the salt mines: Learn about the ancient salt extraction technique still used today. Free time to purchase souvenirs made from Maras salt.
Buffet Lunch in Urubamba
1:00 PM: Stop for a buffet lunch at a local restaurant. Enjoy a variety of traditional dishes, with vegetarian and vegan options.
Visit to Ollantaytambo
30-minute drive from Urubamba: Transfer to the monumental Inca archaeological site of Ollantaytambo. Guided tour: Discover the history and architecture of one of the best-preserved Inca sites in the Sacred Valley.
Train Journey to Aguas Calientes
3:30 PM or 4:30 PM: Departure from Ollantaytambo train station. Duration: Enjoy a panoramic 1-hour and 45-minute train ride through the stunning Urubamba Canyon.
Arrival in Aguas Calientes
Reception at the train station: Hotel staff will meet you and escort you to your accommodation. 7:30 PM: Meet with the guide at the hotel to go over the details for the next day’s Machu Picchu tour. Overnight stay in Aguas Calientes: Rest and recharge before the exciting visit to Machu Picchu the next day.

Day03

Guided Visit to Machu Picchu and Return to Cusco

Morning Start and Breakfast at the Hotel
5:00 AM: Wake up early to enjoy breakfast at the hotel before heading to the bus station.
Bus Transfer to Machu Picchu
5:30 AM: Depart from the bus station in Aguas Calientes to the main entrance of Machu Picchu. The bus ride lasts approximately 25 minutes.
Entry and Exploration of Machu Picchu
6:00 AM: Enter the Inca citadel with the group and guide. Classic viewpoint: First, head to the upper part of Machu Picchu for the iconic panoramic view, and, if the weather allows, enjoy the spectacular sunrise. Photos and Views: Take time to capture stunning photos and marvel at the landscape from the viewpoint.
Guided Tour in Machu Picchu
6:30 AM – 9:00 AM: Guided tour within the citadel of Machu Picchu. The guide will provide detailed explanations about the history, architecture, and mysteries of this sacred site. Highlights: The Temple of the Sun, the Sacred Rock, agricultural terraces, and other points of interest will be included in the guided tour.
Free Time for Personal Exploration
9:00 AM – 9:30 AM: You will have around 30 additional minutes to explore the areas of Machu Picchu that interest you most before concluding your visit. The total time allowed in the park is 3 hours.
Return Bus to Aguas Calientes
9:30 AM: Bus transfer back to Aguas Calientes, lasting 25 minutes.
Optional: Ascent to Waynapicchu or Machu Picchu Mountain
If you have reserved tickets for Waynapicchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, you can take these additional hikes. The ascent must be coordinated in advance, as spots are limited.
Free Time in Aguas Calientes
10:00 AM – 2:30 PM: Free time to explore Aguas Calientes. Enjoy lunch, visit the local market, or simply relax in this quaint town.
Train Journey from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
2:30 PM or 3:20 PM: Board the panoramic train back from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo. Duration: The journey takes 1 hour and 45 minutes, again traversing the beautiful Sacred Valley.
Transfer to Cusco
Reception at Ollantaytambo station: Agency staff will be waiting for you at the station with your name for the transfer back to Cusco. Vehicle trip: Private vehicle transfer to Cusco, taking approximately 2 hours.
Arrival in Cusco
6:30 PM: Arrival in Cusco. The final drop-off point will be at Plaza Regocijo, one block from the Plaza de Armas.
Additional Note: At the checkpoint, before starting the hike, horses are available for rent to facilitate the ascent to Rainbow Mountain. The average cost varies between 80 and 100 soles, and the price can be negotiated

Included / Not included

Included

Professional Guide: Enjoy the experience of expert guides who will provide valuable information about each site and its historical context.
Comfortable Transportation: Travel to each location in our well-maintained vehicles, ensuring a smooth and pleasant experience.
Entrance Fees: Access to all archaeological sites.
Professional Guide: Enjoy a guided tour by experts who will provide detailed explanations about each site you visit in the Sacred Valley, ensuring an enriching experience.
Buffet Lunch in Urubamba: Savor a wide variety of dishes in a buffet lunch at a selected restaurant, with vegetarian and vegan options available.
Entry to Sacred Valley Attractions: Access to the main tourist sites in the Sacred Valley, such as Chinchero, Moray, the Salineras de Maras, and Ollantaytambo.
Train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes: A picturesque and relaxing train ride to Aguas Calientes, featuring stunning landscapes of the Sacred Valley.
Accommodation in Aguas Calientes: Enjoy a night in a comfortable, selected hotel in Aguas Calientes, perfect for relaxing before the visit to Machu Picchu.
Breakfast at the Hotel: Start your day with a nutritious and energizing breakfast at the hotel.
Bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu: A bus ride from Aguas Calientes to the entrance of Machu Picchu, with spectacular views along the way.
Entrance Ticket to Machu Picchu, Circuit 02: Guaranteed access to Machu Picchu to explore the historical site via Circuit 02.
Guided Tour in Machu Picchu: A guided tour inside the citadel, where our expert guide will provide rich insights into Inca culture and the mysteries of the site.
Return Bus to Aguas Calientes: After the visit, return by bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes.
Train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo: Train ride back to Ollantaytambo, enjoying the beautiful scenery of the Valley once again.
Transportation from Ollantaytambo to Cusco: Comfortable and safe transfer from Ollantaytambo to Cusco, concluding your incredible 3-day experience.
Round-trip Transportation: Travel comfortably from Cusco to Rainbow Mountain and back. We have a modern fleet of Mercedes Benz vehicles, specially designed for tourist services.
Breakfast: Enjoy a selection of natural juices, hot chocolate, coffee, tea, fruit salad, and your choice of bread or pancakes with butter and jam.
Buffet Lunch: We offer a varied buffet with options to satisfy all tastes.

Not included

Meal Coverage: Meals not mentioned in the inclusions must be organized and paid for separately.
Day 2 Breakfast: Breakfast on Day 2 is not included in the package.
Dinner on the Second Day: You will need to arrange your dinner in Aguas Calientes.
Lunch on the Third Day: Lunch after the visit to Machu Picchu is not included.
Dining Options in Aguas Calientes: Aguas Calientes offers a wide variety of restaurants and dining options, including local and international cuisine, ensuring there are choices for all dietary preferences.
Red Valley Entrance Fee: The entrance fee for the Red Valley is 20 soles. Please ensure to bring cash to cover this fee.

What to pack

Detailed Packing List for the City Tour, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, and Rainbow Mountain Excursion
Original Passport: Absolutely necessary for entry to Machu Picchu, so carry it with you at all times.
Original Student ID: If you have applied for a student discount, make sure to bring your original student ID for validation.
Small Backpack: Ideal for carrying essentials during the tour, such as water, snacks, and personal items.
Warm Jacket or Coat: The weather in the Andes is unpredictable; bring something warm, especially for cold mornings and nights.
T-Shirts: Two t-shirts for the two days should be sufficient, but bring an extra if you sweat a lot.
Comfortable Shoes: Footwear with good traction, such as sneakers or hiking boots, is essential for walking at archaeological sites.
Rain Poncho: The Andean weather can change rapidly, and a poncho is useful in case of rain.
Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated throughout the day by bringing your own bottle to reduce plastic use.
Insect Repellent: To protect against insects, especially in areas like Aguas Calientes.
Sunscreen: Altitude increases the intensity of the sun, even on cloudy days, so it’s important to apply sunscreen.
Hat or Cap: Helps protect your head and face from the sun.
Sunglasses: Protect your eyes from the bright sun at high altitudes.
Camera: Don’t forget to bring your camera or phone with enough battery to capture the stunning views of Machu Picchu.
Water and Snacks: Bring some light snacks for consumption during the tour, as opportunities to buy food may be limited.
Cash in Peruvian Soles: For purchasing souvenirs, food, or tips, bring some cash in local currency.
This list ensures that you are prepared to handle any weather changes and enjoy a comfortable experience during your Machu Picchu and Sacred Valley Tour.

Route map

CuscoSacred ValleyMachu PicchuRainbow Mountain

Prices

Option	Adults	Students	Children
Standard	US$420	US$390	US$390

Add-ons

Tren Vistadome solo ida — US$35 per person

FAQ

01Can I customize a package?

Yes — every package is a starting point; we adapt hotels, activities and pace.

02Are international flights included?

No. Domestic flights are included only when stated in the itinerary.

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TotalUS$390

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